Minor subjects in Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Wide range of minor subjects

The study of mathematics at the TU Darmstadt is characterized by a wide range of subsidiary subjects. Apart from the standard minor subjects such as physics, computer science or chemistry, you can choose your personal minor subject from (almost) all the courses offered at the TU after approval. On the following pages you will find the most frequently chosen minor subjects and the corresponding requirements and modalities.

General information

According to the 2018 examination regulations the contents of the minor subject are regulated on these pages.

If a department changes its portfolio a new version of the minor subject will be published here. Of relevance to you is the newest version at the time you choose your minor subject. You always have the right to swap to a newer version.

The examination formats and credit points for all minor subjects are always based on the regulations pertaining in the department making the offer unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Portfolio of subsidiary subjects

Standard subsidiaries Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Mechanics, Physics, Economics
Special subsidiaries Biology, Philosophy, Digital Philology, Psychology,Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering
(Application may be made for other special subsidiaries)

Credit points to be contributed

The credit points to be earned in the minor subject can be found directly in the study plans of your study regulations. You can find the study regulations in the download area.

Process of selecting a minor

  • In order to choose a minor subject please first consult OWO, these pages and/or the Student Advisory Service for information.
  • You choose your minor by accessing OWO or by a short consultation with the Office for Student Affairs. After this, you can attend and be examined in all mandatory courses in your minor even without an initial exam plan.
  • In order to apply for a special minor subject that has not yet been approved, please observe the special information.

To take a minor on the Master’s course you have to have completed the same minor on the Bachelor’s course. You will be expected to have, but not usually be examined on, the relevant knowledge. No account will be taken of any gaps in your knowledge.

In some minors existing knowledge does have to be explicitly demonstrated. This may mean that you can only change your minor under certain conditions.

On the business mathematics course, the minors in economics and computer sciences as well as the non-mathematical specialisation in economics are mandatory. You are neither required to nor able to select yourself.

In order to gain approval for the non-mathematical specialisation, you have to complete an examination plan (download area). The Dean of Studies or Chair of the Examination Board in the Department of Law and Economics has to confirm that you are theoretically eligible to embark on a Master’s thesis in this field after attending these classes.

A minor chosen during your Bachelor’s course may, under certain circumstances, be continued as a non-mathematical specialisation on your Master’s course. Just like a mathematical specialisation it also allows you to write a Master’s thesis in the respective field.

In order to gain approval for the non-mathematical specialisation, you have to complete an examination plan (download area). The Dean of Studies or Chair of the Examination Board in the corresponding departments have to confirm that you are theoretically eligible to embark on a Master’s thesis in this field after attending these classes.

For admission to a non-mathematical specialisation you have to demonstrate or acquire knowledge in this subsidiary equivalent to at least 20 CP.

The M.Sc. in Mathematics has the following options:

  • Choice of a minor from the list of Master’s minors if you have the requisite specialist knowledge.
  • Choice of a basic minor from the list of Bachelor’s minors In this case, elective modules can only be included if the mandatory part of the Bachelor’s minor has been completely exhausted.

Please note that only very few minors can be studied in English. If your knowledge of German is adequate, you can make your choice from the list of minors.

Special minors differ from standard minors in the following ways:

  • It cannot be guaranteed that a special minor can be taken to the value of approx. 30CP per semester.
  • No account can be taken of timetable clashes.
  • The continued availability of special minors that have already been approved cannot be completely guaranteed if changes occur in the department making the offer. This does not apply to students who have already started the special minor.
  • There may be restrictions on numbers in special minors. If, suddenly, a large number of requests is received, it may not be possible to fulfil everyone’s wishes. So far, however, this has never happened.

Provided that there is an appropriate offer, you are eligible to apply to study any subject that is taught at Bachelor’s level at TU Darmstadt as a special minor.

Exceptions may apply to courses with restricted admissions or interdisciplinary courses which can also be accessed in the context of other minors.

If you are interested in a special minor, make enquiries with the Mathematics Examination Board.

In the past, for example, the following have occasionally been approved:

Civil engineering, geosciences, materials science, political science, sociology, biotechnology, German philology, history, organic chemistry, education, sports science, environmental engineering.

If you decide you would like to change your minor in the course of the first semester you should go to the Office for Student Affairs during office hours. In any other case, or for advice, please turn to the Departmental Student Advisory Service. If you have already accrued examination credits which you cannot use for your degree once you have changed, it is only possible to change once.

Within your chosen minor the regulations on changing module are governed by the regulations applying to the course on offer. Unless explicitly stated to the contrary in the special regulations applying to a minor, modules you have begun in the minor must be completed.

Before you change a minor, you have the opportunity to try it out first by taking additional modules voluntarily. If you do then change the minor, these can be recognised subsequently once you have completed the change.

A change of minor has to be approved by the Examination Board.

Courses

Office for Student Affairs

Examination Plans

Student Advisory Service